Haworth — At the Feb. 9 mayor and council meeting, officials debated the merits of which capital improvement projects to keep in the temporary budget with an eye on the continuing economic pinch. Government officials said the Borough is in relatively good shape financially, and would like to continue to have a zero percent tax increase for a second consecutive year..
Yet, the economic crunch affecting everybody means that government officials will have to continue to keep the budget lean as many neighboring communities are doing.
So far, there have not been any cuts in state aid, said Councilman Stephen Chval who added that the Borough’s in good shape fiscally with a some tax revenues coming in.
"We don’t anticipate any future state cuts," Chval said. "The United Water of New Jersey just completed a huge project [upgrade]. This will increase the ratables by considerable millions of dollars. It would produce additional tax revenue."
Meanwhile, Borough officials do not know how much state aid they will be receiving at this point.
Councilman Vince Iacobino said that he did not anticipate much money coming from the state at this point given the various cuts already done by Governor Christie.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
Town approves $300,000 bond
The Hawthorne Borough Council unanimously voted to approve the introduction of a $300,000 bond ordinance at its Feb. 17 meeting for improvements and new equipment.
The bond ordinance appropriates $300,000 in funds for the purchase of a street sweeper, purchase and installation of an oil/water separator at the Department of Public Works facility and renovations to the Hawthorne Municipal Swimming Pool.
The renovations to take place at the town pool include installation of drain lines, piping, vales, handrails, concrete and lighting in and around the pool.
According to Borough Engineer Stephen Boswell, the project will also include the cleaning, sanding and repainting of pool fittings and the replacement of gaskets.
Boswell said the project should take a couple of days to complete.
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The bond ordinance appropriates $300,000 in funds for the purchase of a street sweeper, purchase and installation of an oil/water separator at the Department of Public Works facility and renovations to the Hawthorne Municipal Swimming Pool.
The renovations to take place at the town pool include installation of drain lines, piping, vales, handrails, concrete and lighting in and around the pool.
According to Borough Engineer Stephen Boswell, the project will also include the cleaning, sanding and repainting of pool fittings and the replacement of gaskets.
Boswell said the project should take a couple of days to complete.
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
Federal Signal closes 2009 with strong fourth quarter
Federal Signal Corp., an Oak Brook-based manufacturer of safety, security, environmental and fire rescue products, swung to a profit in the fourth quarter of 2009 due to lower overhead costs and record earnings by its fire rescue group.
Net income for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 was $22.7 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, compared with a loss of $11.2 million or 23 cents per diluted share, in the same quarter last year. For the full year, the company declared net income of $23.1 million, compared with a loss of $95 million in 2008.
Income from continuing operations, bolstered by divestiture of the company’s Pauluhn industrial lighting business in the fourth quarter, tripled to $9 million or 18 cents per diluted share, up from $3 million or 6 cents per diluted share in the year-earlier quarter.
For the full year, helped by the Pauluhn and Ravo European street sweeper divestitures, income from continuing operations was $17.7 million or 36 cents per diluted share, down 37 percent from $27.2 million or 57 cents per diluted share.
Federal Signal comfortably beat the analyst's estimate by Zachs Investment Research Inc. of 12 cents per diluted share from continuing operations for the quarter and barely beat the full-year estimate of 35 cents per share.
Quarterly sales fell 11 percent to $206.3 million from $231.9 million in the year-ago period. For the year, revenues were down 14.4 percent to $752.5 million from $879 million in the previous year.
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Net income for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 was $22.7 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, compared with a loss of $11.2 million or 23 cents per diluted share, in the same quarter last year. For the full year, the company declared net income of $23.1 million, compared with a loss of $95 million in 2008.
Income from continuing operations, bolstered by divestiture of the company’s Pauluhn industrial lighting business in the fourth quarter, tripled to $9 million or 18 cents per diluted share, up from $3 million or 6 cents per diluted share in the year-earlier quarter.
For the full year, helped by the Pauluhn and Ravo European street sweeper divestitures, income from continuing operations was $17.7 million or 36 cents per diluted share, down 37 percent from $27.2 million or 57 cents per diluted share.
Federal Signal comfortably beat the analyst's estimate by Zachs Investment Research Inc. of 12 cents per diluted share from continuing operations for the quarter and barely beat the full-year estimate of 35 cents per share.
Quarterly sales fell 11 percent to $206.3 million from $231.9 million in the year-ago period. For the year, revenues were down 14.4 percent to $752.5 million from $879 million in the previous year.
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Bloomfield purchases machine to fix roads
BLOOMFIELD — The Bloomfield City Council responded to numerous complaints about the condition of the city's roads by authorizing the purchase of a new road-repair machine.
The equipment likely will increase the life expectancy of the city streets by repairing cracks and potholes before they become too large to fix, city officials said.
The machine is expected to cost $60,000. The city has $20,000 budgeted for equipment upgrades and will dip into the reserve fund to cover the remaining $40,000.
The city has more than
$2 million in its reserve fund, about half of which came from the state in back pay from the Hold Harmless Provision, which compensates cities and counties for untaxed groceries sold.
"We're fortunate to have this additional money, so this is a good time to go ahead and look to meeting those needs," City Manager Keith Johnson said. "If we keep putting it off, the roads are just going to get worse."
The city has 11 road projects on its five-year plan, including repairs to 4th Street, East Blanco Boulevard and Bergin Lane.
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The equipment likely will increase the life expectancy of the city streets by repairing cracks and potholes before they become too large to fix, city officials said.
The machine is expected to cost $60,000. The city has $20,000 budgeted for equipment upgrades and will dip into the reserve fund to cover the remaining $40,000.
The city has more than
$2 million in its reserve fund, about half of which came from the state in back pay from the Hold Harmless Provision, which compensates cities and counties for untaxed groceries sold.
"We're fortunate to have this additional money, so this is a good time to go ahead and look to meeting those needs," City Manager Keith Johnson said. "If we keep putting it off, the roads are just going to get worse."
The city has 11 road projects on its five-year plan, including repairs to 4th Street, East Blanco Boulevard and Bergin Lane.
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Monday, February 22, 2010
Truck driver charged in wreck with street sweeper
A pickup driver has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he struck a street sweeper while driving at an unsafe speed, critically injuring the operator of the sweeper, Conroe police said.
Both contract vehicles were working in a construction zone and traveling westbound in the 1300 block of FM 1488, when the wreck occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
Fernando Rodriguez, driving a 2005 F350 truck with a trailer in tow, hit the sweeper as it made a U-turn in the construction zone, police said. Sweeper ejected
Witnesses told police that the commercial street sweeper driver was sweeping on the newly constructed concrete road and that Rodriguez was driving at an unreasonable and unsafe speed, causing the wreck. The impact of the crash overturned the sweeper and ejected sweeper operator Isaac Sheridan.
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Both contract vehicles were working in a construction zone and traveling westbound in the 1300 block of FM 1488, when the wreck occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
Fernando Rodriguez, driving a 2005 F350 truck with a trailer in tow, hit the sweeper as it made a U-turn in the construction zone, police said. Sweeper ejected
Witnesses told police that the commercial street sweeper driver was sweeping on the newly constructed concrete road and that Rodriguez was driving at an unreasonable and unsafe speed, causing the wreck. The impact of the crash overturned the sweeper and ejected sweeper operator Isaac Sheridan.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
New year, new sweeper?
The year 2010 looks like going down as a bumper year for new compact designs of vacuum sweeper. Swiss manufacturer Bucher is close to announcing a new 1-cubic metre capacity compact precinct sweeper for precinct and footpath sweeping duties, while over in Italy, Sicas will announce a new improved 2-cubic metre capacity machine at the upcoming Padova exhibition, in northern Italy 21-24th April.
As if two new designs from such leading manufacturers wasn't enough to cause a ripple of excitement, Waste Management World's vehicle, plant and machinery correspondent, Malcolm Bates, was recently given an exclusive opportunity to test drive another new 1-cubic metre sweeper about to be launched by Bucher Schorling Group company, UK-based Johnston Sweepers.
Based heavily on the Swiss design - but with enough differences to justify a dual brand marketing philosophy - the new machine looks set to redefine the 'sub-compact' end of the ride-on sweeper market.
While there may still be a place for pedestrian-controlled sweepers in highway sweeping and facility maintenance operations, health and safety concerns regarding noise and dust emissions effecting the operator (who is walking along in those emissions all day) has given growing prominence to the design of replacement ride-on machines in recent years.
But unfortunately, producing a design that is as small as possible, yet can still carry a normal sized European driver in a cabin, has a load capacity of 1-cubic metre and can mount a high kerb at speed in complete safety is something that has not proven easy to produce.
The problem? There are two key problem areas. The first is weight - weight. Build it to normal compact sweeper standards and there is not enough power or load capacity to do the job. Build it too light however - which is what most current designs suffer from - and both stability climbing kerbs on windy days and more importantly, reliability are compromised.
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As if two new designs from such leading manufacturers wasn't enough to cause a ripple of excitement, Waste Management World's vehicle, plant and machinery correspondent, Malcolm Bates, was recently given an exclusive opportunity to test drive another new 1-cubic metre sweeper about to be launched by Bucher Schorling Group company, UK-based Johnston Sweepers.
Based heavily on the Swiss design - but with enough differences to justify a dual brand marketing philosophy - the new machine looks set to redefine the 'sub-compact' end of the ride-on sweeper market.
While there may still be a place for pedestrian-controlled sweepers in highway sweeping and facility maintenance operations, health and safety concerns regarding noise and dust emissions effecting the operator (who is walking along in those emissions all day) has given growing prominence to the design of replacement ride-on machines in recent years.
But unfortunately, producing a design that is as small as possible, yet can still carry a normal sized European driver in a cabin, has a load capacity of 1-cubic metre and can mount a high kerb at speed in complete safety is something that has not proven easy to produce.
The problem? There are two key problem areas. The first is weight - weight. Build it to normal compact sweeper standards and there is not enough power or load capacity to do the job. Build it too light however - which is what most current designs suffer from - and both stability climbing kerbs on windy days and more importantly, reliability are compromised.
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East Peoria eager to start road work
EAST PEORIA — Let the bidding begin for street repairs.
The City Council on Tuesday night voted in favor of spending almost half of the $1 million allocated to the 2010-2011 street improvement program.
A contract for $436,677 was awarded to R.A. Cullinan & Son Inc. to start soliciting bids for the many looming road construction projects throughout the city. Getting a jump-start on the bid process will hopefully translate into reduced construction costs because it is off-season.
"We're anxious to get going on it when the weather breaks," said Dan Decker, the council's commissioner of streets and public improvements.
Commissioner Tim Jeffers was lauded for his work in locating a used street sweeper as another way to maintain roadways. The city plans to purchase a 2006 Elgin Pelican street sweeper through an auction firm in Florida this week for no more than $60,000.
Earlier this year, the city sought quotes for a new street sweeper to replace its lone sweeper, which is inefficient. The council budgeted $110,000 for the new sweeper, but prices ranged from $149,455 to $229,094.
If the city purchases the used sweeper from the auction, it plans to spend up to $50,000 to repair the existing sweeper. This will allow public works crews to allocate the sweepers for inner city sweeping and sweeping the outer perimeter of the city and subdivisions.
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The City Council on Tuesday night voted in favor of spending almost half of the $1 million allocated to the 2010-2011 street improvement program.
A contract for $436,677 was awarded to R.A. Cullinan & Son Inc. to start soliciting bids for the many looming road construction projects throughout the city. Getting a jump-start on the bid process will hopefully translate into reduced construction costs because it is off-season.
"We're anxious to get going on it when the weather breaks," said Dan Decker, the council's commissioner of streets and public improvements.
Commissioner Tim Jeffers was lauded for his work in locating a used street sweeper as another way to maintain roadways. The city plans to purchase a 2006 Elgin Pelican street sweeper through an auction firm in Florida this week for no more than $60,000.
Earlier this year, the city sought quotes for a new street sweeper to replace its lone sweeper, which is inefficient. The council budgeted $110,000 for the new sweeper, but prices ranged from $149,455 to $229,094.
If the city purchases the used sweeper from the auction, it plans to spend up to $50,000 to repair the existing sweeper. This will allow public works crews to allocate the sweepers for inner city sweeping and sweeping the outer perimeter of the city and subdivisions.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
$100,000 federal grant could give power to Bunnell utilities
BUNNELL -- The city is hoping to cash in on a $100,000 federal energy grant that could help the utilities department run more efficiently.
City commissioners authorized staff Monday night to submit an application for the energy efficiency and conservation block grant available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Bunnell plans to upgrade air conditioning in two buildings and use energy-efficient, lower-watt motors and pumps, a staff report shows. The city will have to match $11,000.
Some $2.7 billion is available to fund projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil-fuel emissions, according to the federal Department of Energy Web site.
In other business, Judi Stetson, director of grants and special projects, announced that Austin Outdoor will donate much-needed landscaping services to the city in the next few weeks for the City Hall property. The donation includes new plants, palms and mulching.
"It's going to look great," said Amanda Wilson, the company's landscape architect.
City commissioners also approved purchase of a $55,000 street sweeper.
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City commissioners authorized staff Monday night to submit an application for the energy efficiency and conservation block grant available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Bunnell plans to upgrade air conditioning in two buildings and use energy-efficient, lower-watt motors and pumps, a staff report shows. The city will have to match $11,000.
Some $2.7 billion is available to fund projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil-fuel emissions, according to the federal Department of Energy Web site.
In other business, Judi Stetson, director of grants and special projects, announced that Austin Outdoor will donate much-needed landscaping services to the city in the next few weeks for the City Hall property. The donation includes new plants, palms and mulching.
"It's going to look great," said Amanda Wilson, the company's landscape architect.
City commissioners also approved purchase of a $55,000 street sweeper.
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Ringtown residents reminded to clean up after winter events
RINGTOWN - Property owners in the borough are reminded to clean their sidewalks after a snowfall.
While a recent storm left its share of snow, road crews and residents proved up to the task in removing snow - although there were a few exceptions.
"Sometimes we make comments when the snow removal is bad, but I particularly made a run through Ringtown and saw that most of the sidewalks are cleared, except for some unoccupied properties," said Ringtown Borough Council Vice President Joann Zogby, who chaired Monday's council meeting. "I think a common courtesy letter should be sent to remind them to make sure their property is shoveled."
In other business, the council will respond to a request from the Ringtown Municipal Authority about enforcement of the sewage ordinance involving Amity Acres, a horse-breeding facility.
"Back in the summer, the authority asked the solicitor (S. John Price) to look over the sewer connection ordinance," said Jacqueline Peleschak, the consulting engineer for the borough and sewer authority. "Any occupied building within 150 feet (of the sewer main) must be connected to the collection system."
Even though it is a municipal matter, the ordinance would be enforced through the borough.
"It all depends on how you want to handle it," said Price to council after being assured the proposed connection is within the 150-foot distance to the sewer main.
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While a recent storm left its share of snow, road crews and residents proved up to the task in removing snow - although there were a few exceptions.
"Sometimes we make comments when the snow removal is bad, but I particularly made a run through Ringtown and saw that most of the sidewalks are cleared, except for some unoccupied properties," said Ringtown Borough Council Vice President Joann Zogby, who chaired Monday's council meeting. "I think a common courtesy letter should be sent to remind them to make sure their property is shoveled."
In other business, the council will respond to a request from the Ringtown Municipal Authority about enforcement of the sewage ordinance involving Amity Acres, a horse-breeding facility.
"Back in the summer, the authority asked the solicitor (S. John Price) to look over the sewer connection ordinance," said Jacqueline Peleschak, the consulting engineer for the borough and sewer authority. "Any occupied building within 150 feet (of the sewer main) must be connected to the collection system."
Even though it is a municipal matter, the ordinance would be enforced through the borough.
"It all depends on how you want to handle it," said Price to council after being assured the proposed connection is within the 150-foot distance to the sewer main.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
West Milford Capital Budget for 2010 gets close scruntiny
A goal of bringing in the 2010 municipal budget with no tax increase for residents is no easy task, but that is what Mayor Bettina Bieri and the Township of West Milford Council are trying to do in a series of budget meetings now underway.
With Township Administrator Kevin Boyle’s current figure of a $100 tax increase for the owner of the average $135,000 home before them, governing board members on Jan. 26 took a hard look at proposed capital projects with an eye at eliminating some costs.
Township Engineer Richard McFadden and Department of Public Works (DPW) Supervisor Jerry Storms were at the meeting to review the proposed $4.3 million capital portion of the budget.
Officials left the meeting looking to eliminate about $1.5 million of that but will not make a final decision until they get more information to support such action.
Boyle’s goal is to have the individual department interviews with the council completed on March 15. With final governing board recommendations made by then, he said his "game plan" will be complete.
It must be kept in mind that council budget decisions have no effect on the school or county budgets. If the council reaches its goal of a zero increase budget, taxpayers still have to contend with the other two elements on their tax bill.
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With Township Administrator Kevin Boyle’s current figure of a $100 tax increase for the owner of the average $135,000 home before them, governing board members on Jan. 26 took a hard look at proposed capital projects with an eye at eliminating some costs.
Township Engineer Richard McFadden and Department of Public Works (DPW) Supervisor Jerry Storms were at the meeting to review the proposed $4.3 million capital portion of the budget.
Officials left the meeting looking to eliminate about $1.5 million of that but will not make a final decision until they get more information to support such action.
Boyle’s goal is to have the individual department interviews with the council completed on March 15. With final governing board recommendations made by then, he said his "game plan" will be complete.
It must be kept in mind that council budget decisions have no effect on the school or county budgets. If the council reaches its goal of a zero increase budget, taxpayers still have to contend with the other two elements on their tax bill.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
Council prepares for road use fund loss
MUSCATINE, Iowa - It's hard to predict the future, but Muscatine City Council is taking careful steps to be prepared for unfavorable circumstances.
One big problem? The possible loss of more than $90,000 from the Road Use Tax fund.
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has proposed pulling more than $50 million from the Road Use Tax fund from counties and cities across the state to help fund the Iowa State Patrol budget, which would yank money from city and county budgets for public works and road maintenance.
The Muscatine City Council has denounced Culver's plans and is hoping to keep a hold of the money.
"We're not the only ones out there [losing the road money]," Muscatine City Administrator Gregg Mandsager said.
Public Works director Randy Hill said many projects, even as small as patching city roads, could be affected by the possible withdrawal of money. Finance Director Nancy Lueck said the outcome of the funds are uncertain until the governor's budget is complete.
Muscatine's roadway maintenance budget for 2010-11 is $1,264,300, which is $44,400 under the previous year's budget due to decreased allocation for capital outlay. The only
capital outlay listed for roadway maintenance is a new four-by-four backhoe, which will cost an estimated $135,500. Another $50,000 will be used for the grinding of old concrete and blacktop.
Street maintenance supervisor Randy Howell said the current backhoe is more than 20 years old and is costing more to maintain.
Hill also stressed interest in trail development. He said a trail committee will be approaching the City Council in the near future, and while grants are likely available for construction of trails, the design cost would be absorbed by the City.
An estimated $600,000 is currently being held for the Cedar Street project, which is expected to begin in 2011. Hill said the money, which is funded with federal Surface Transportation Project funds, is secure as long as headway continues to be made. Hill said updates and planning has been submitted to keep the funds place.
Hill added that sidewalks have been neglected over the years due to the loss of a sidewalk checks
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One big problem? The possible loss of more than $90,000 from the Road Use Tax fund.
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has proposed pulling more than $50 million from the Road Use Tax fund from counties and cities across the state to help fund the Iowa State Patrol budget, which would yank money from city and county budgets for public works and road maintenance.
The Muscatine City Council has denounced Culver's plans and is hoping to keep a hold of the money.
"We're not the only ones out there [losing the road money]," Muscatine City Administrator Gregg Mandsager said.
Public Works director Randy Hill said many projects, even as small as patching city roads, could be affected by the possible withdrawal of money. Finance Director Nancy Lueck said the outcome of the funds are uncertain until the governor's budget is complete.
Muscatine's roadway maintenance budget for 2010-11 is $1,264,300, which is $44,400 under the previous year's budget due to decreased allocation for capital outlay. The only
capital outlay listed for roadway maintenance is a new four-by-four backhoe, which will cost an estimated $135,500. Another $50,000 will be used for the grinding of old concrete and blacktop.
Street maintenance supervisor Randy Howell said the current backhoe is more than 20 years old and is costing more to maintain.
Hill also stressed interest in trail development. He said a trail committee will be approaching the City Council in the near future, and while grants are likely available for construction of trails, the design cost would be absorbed by the City.
An estimated $600,000 is currently being held for the Cedar Street project, which is expected to begin in 2011. Hill said the money, which is funded with federal Surface Transportation Project funds, is secure as long as headway continues to be made. Hill said updates and planning has been submitted to keep the funds place.
Hill added that sidewalks have been neglected over the years due to the loss of a sidewalk checks
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Clearing the way for spring
The groundhog may have given us bad odds, but the City of Kelowna’s street sweepers say they’re already clearing bike lanes the weather is so mild.
All projections the city’s snow crew have in front of them indicate it’s time to bring a second street sweeper onto local roads and begin the spring sweep shortly.
“The reason is, everybody is pushing this sustainability thing nowadays…People want to ride their bikes and we should provide that service,” said Gord Murrell, roadway operations supervisor.
One sweeper is already clearing roads and another will be up and running by the end of the week.
“It doesn’t cost any more money to the taxpayer,” Murrell said. “If we don’t sweep at all until, say, about March, it takes two to five passes to pick up all of the sand because of the buildup.”
Kelowna has only spent $74,000 on snow and icy removal since 2010 began, and this was largely only to deal with icy patches forming higher in the hills at night. In 2009, the municipality spent its entire $1.4 million snow clearing budget, but Murrell expects 2010 may provide a surplus to save for more costly seasons, like the last.
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All projections the city’s snow crew have in front of them indicate it’s time to bring a second street sweeper onto local roads and begin the spring sweep shortly.
“The reason is, everybody is pushing this sustainability thing nowadays…People want to ride their bikes and we should provide that service,” said Gord Murrell, roadway operations supervisor.
One sweeper is already clearing roads and another will be up and running by the end of the week.
“It doesn’t cost any more money to the taxpayer,” Murrell said. “If we don’t sweep at all until, say, about March, it takes two to five passes to pick up all of the sand because of the buildup.”
Kelowna has only spent $74,000 on snow and icy removal since 2010 began, and this was largely only to deal with icy patches forming higher in the hills at night. In 2009, the municipality spent its entire $1.4 million snow clearing budget, but Murrell expects 2010 may provide a surplus to save for more costly seasons, like the last.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
West Milford ponders cuts including road maintenance
WEST MILFORD — The Township Council is considering eliminating around $1.5 million in proposed capital projects in an effort to enact a zero-dollar municipal tax increase for 2010.
And the big-ticket items on that hit list include road resurfacing, a fire truck, and a street sweeper.
In total, the Council is reviewing $4.3 million in proposed capital projects, according to Township Administrator Kevin Boyle.
As part of its effort, the governing body is considering a significant reduction of the $767,000 proposed allocation for road resurfacing. The municipality still has more than $1 million in dedicated funding remaining from 2009, so cuts in potential further funding can be made. Still, the Council decided to wait until all the capital projects have been vetted to decide how much of the funding will be dedicated to road maintenance, perhaps the most visible of municipal duties.
The council is also hoping to hold off on the purchase of a pumper fire truck at a cost of $450,000. Though that purchase is not yet cancelled, council members said they would be seeking more information regarding the urgency of the requests in an effort to eliminate the line item for 2010.
The governing body did, however, decide to postpone the purchase of a $250,000 street sweeper and review the proposal next year. Gerald Storms, Department of Public Works director, said his department could continue to refurbish the two older units, which he said could conceivably last a few more years at a cost of just a few thousand dollars.
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And the big-ticket items on that hit list include road resurfacing, a fire truck, and a street sweeper.
In total, the Council is reviewing $4.3 million in proposed capital projects, according to Township Administrator Kevin Boyle.
As part of its effort, the governing body is considering a significant reduction of the $767,000 proposed allocation for road resurfacing. The municipality still has more than $1 million in dedicated funding remaining from 2009, so cuts in potential further funding can be made. Still, the Council decided to wait until all the capital projects have been vetted to decide how much of the funding will be dedicated to road maintenance, perhaps the most visible of municipal duties.
The council is also hoping to hold off on the purchase of a pumper fire truck at a cost of $450,000. Though that purchase is not yet cancelled, council members said they would be seeking more information regarding the urgency of the requests in an effort to eliminate the line item for 2010.
The governing body did, however, decide to postpone the purchase of a $250,000 street sweeper and review the proposal next year. Gerald Storms, Department of Public Works director, said his department could continue to refurbish the two older units, which he said could conceivably last a few more years at a cost of just a few thousand dollars.
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